Police in Malaita are investigating the death of a child reportedly bashed to death.

Described by Malaita Provincial Police Commander, David Diosi, as "inhumane", the child said to be two years old was reportedly bashed to death by the father last Tuesday in North-East Malaita.

Police are yet to confirm the gender status of the child who died on Christmas Day in a clinic at Gwaunatolo village.

A source told Solomon Times that the father is currently being searched for by police officers in Malu'u.

The child's body has been brought to Kilufi'i Hospital for post-mortem.